Arshay Cooper

Now a documentary narrated by Common, produced by Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and 9th Wonder, from filmmaker Mary Mazzio The moving true story of a group of young men growing up on Chicago's West side who form the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation, and in doing so not only transform a sport, but their lives.Growing up on Chicago’s Westside in the 90’s, Arshay Cooper knows the harder side of life. The street corners are full of gangs, the hallways of his apartment complex are haunted by junkies he calls “zombies” with strung out arms, clutching at him as he passes by. His mother is a recovering addict, and his three siblings all sleep in a one room apartment, a small infantry against the war zone on the street below.Arshay keeps to himself, preferring to write poetry about the girl he has a crush on, and spends his school days in the home-ec kitchen dreaming of becoming a chef. And then one day as he’s walking out of school he notices a boat in the school lunchroom, and a poster that reads “Join the Crew Team”.Having no idea what the sport of crew is, Arshay decides to take a chance. This decision to join is one that will forever change his life, and those of his fellow teammates. As Arshay and his teammates begin to come together to learn how to row--many never having been in water before--the sport takes them from the mean streets of Chicago, to the hallowed halls of the Ivy League. But Arshay and his teammates face adversity at every turn, from racism, gang violence, and a sport that has never seen anyone like them before.A Most Beautiful Thing is the inspiring true story about the most unlikely band of brothers that form a family, and forever change a sport and their lives for the better.

A new edition will be released next year under "A Most Beautiful Thing"-Arshay Cooper

From the celebrated athlete and award-winning author, an inspirational collection of personal stories and lessons that will spark change within you and transform how you contribute to the world.Arshay Cooper believes in bringing people together, seeking out opposing ideas to collaborate and find consensus rather than focusing on differences and “othering.” In Let Me Be Real with You, he reflects on his personal journey—from the trials he faced as a young Black boy from the West Side of Chicago to finding international recognition as an athlete and philanthropist—sharing insights to guide you on your own journey.The stories in Let Me Be Real with You will help you navigate difficulties and challenges with grace, awareness, hope, and even humor, and fortify your commitment to a life lived in service to others without sacrificing your own self-care. Ashray introduces you to the eight essential tenets of wellness—mental, physical, environmental, vocational, financial, intellectual, social, and spiritual—and teaches you how to incorporate them into daily life.Cooper reveals how a wellness mindset and practices became an integral part of his life and success and how they can become central to yours as well. A memoir and inspirational guide, Let Me Be Real with You is for all of us who want to change our lives and find the courage to “doing it afraid."